Tragic Road Accident Claims Lives in Khetri, Protests Erupt Over Highway Conditions
Fatal Accident Sparks Outrage
The accident occurred in the Nalgedera area of Khetri
Sonapur, Aug 31: A tragic incident unfolded on National Highway 27 near Khetri in Dimoria, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals and injuries to several others. A meeting is scheduled in Guwahati on Monday to address the aftermath of this devastating road accident.
The gathering at the Commissioner of Police's office was prompted by local protests, where residents blocked the highway for nearly three hours, demanding accountability for the road's poor condition.
Attendees of the meeting include local residents, lawmakers, officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and members of the administration. Protesters had previously requested the presence of officials from the Sonapur tollgate and NHAI.
The accident took place in the Nalgedera region during the night of Sunday when a 26-seater vehicle traveling from Nagaon to Guwahati reportedly lost control after hitting a pothole, crossed the median, and collided with an oncoming truck.
The collision resulted in significant damage to the traveler, trapping several passengers inside. Local residents and police joined forces for the rescue, with the injured initially transported to Sonapur District Hospital before being referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
Hospital officials reported that six injured individuals were admitted to GMCH, while three others were pronounced dead upon arrival.
Dr. Babul Kumar Bezbaruah, Principal of GMCH, confirmed that one of the deceased was identified as 46-year-old Jyotika Rahopng, while the identities of the other two victims remain unknown.
The injured have been identified as Muzahidul Islam (32), Deepjyoti Nath (34), Jehrul Islam (44), Ashim Koch, and Ranjan Mandal, along with an unidentified 20-year-old male.
Dr. Bezbaruah stated, “Six individuals were admitted yesterday. Muzahidul and Ranjan are in the orthopaedics department, while Deepjyoti, Jehrul, and Ashim are in neurosurgery. The unidentified 20-year-old is in the ICU. The patients in the ICU and neurosurgery are in critical condition, and our medical team is doing everything possible.”
Dimoria MLA Dr. Tapan Das and the Dimoria Co-District Commissioner visited the accident site during the protests, assuring residents that urgent discussions with National Highway authorities would take place.
They also promised that measures would be implemented to repair the deteriorating section of the highway promptly.
Khetri police have initiated an investigation to determine the factors that contributed to the collision.